Favors Tester Bill

I didn’t know what to think of Ray Shaw attacking Senator Tester and his Forest jobs bill until I saw news he just filed for reelection. His versions of facts were so far off, it’s now clear this was pure partisanship at its worst. His letter appearing in December across Montana was curious because it came at a time when Senator Tester was working with ranchers in Shaw’s district to make the Snowcrest Wilderness boundaries work better for them than the Forest Service’s boundaries.

Of course Shaw gives a pump for Congressman Daines’ for jumping on board with a bill crafted in Washington, DC, but he doesn’t tell the whole story. He neglected to mention the Daines bill will take millions of dollars away from Beaverhead, Jefferson, and Madison Counties by ending Secure Rural Schools Act funding. He didn’t mention the Congressional Budget Office report saying the bill will increase litigation and increase the national debt. Most importantly, he didn’t say anything about Montanans having no input in the management of federal lands affected by the bill.

Ray, please stop acting like you’re above politics and accusing Senator Tester of trying to earn votes. Tell your constituents which taxes you intend to raise to offset the loss of federal money you call for and be honest for once. We deserve someone who will work with us, not another politician worried about party bosses.